Solidarity in the Senate: Sen. Dickson Leads Opposition Senators to Visit Suspended Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

ABUJA______A contingent of senators from the opposition party visited the suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, at her residence on Friday, as reported by TrackNews. This visit, spearheaded by Senator Seriake Dickson, former governor of Bayelsa State and a member of the Senate’s Ethics and Privileges Committee, occurred merely a day after the Senate imposed a six-month suspension on Akpoti-Uduaghan.

Senator Dickson, who also holds a position on the committee that proposed Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension, divulged details of the visit on his social media platforms. He clarified that his absence from the Senate proceedings on the day of the suspension was due to his participation in a workshop on tax reform bills, which spanned from Wednesday, March 5th, to Friday, March 7th.

“The public may recall that, over the past three days, I was engaged in a three-day workshop on the Tax Reform Bills, commencing on Wednesday, March 5th, and concluding this evening, Friday, March 7th,” Dickson stated. “This is the reason for my unavailability yesterday to sit as a member of the Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct, Privileges, and Public Petitions in relation to the issues concerning our colleague, Distinguished Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension. I had been assured by the Committee Chairman that the hearing would occur on Wednesday, March 11th, for which notices had already been issued. I was not informed of the emergency session yesterday.”

Dickson further disclosed that upon the conclusion of the workshop, he led a delegation of opposition senators to visit Akpoti-Uduaghan and her spouse at their residence. He underscored the significance of solidarity among senators during trying times, stating, “As humans, senators experience their lows and highs, and it is customary for senators to support one another during these times.”

During the visit, the delegation provided counsel on navigating the issues surrounding her suspension and conveyed their support for her. This gesture was perceived as an effort to cultivate unity and address the mounting tensions within the Senate.

Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension arises from her refusal to accept her newly designated seat in the Senate chamber, a decision that escalated into a broader conflict. The situation deteriorated when she accused Senate President God’swill Akpabio of sexual harassment, a claim that has ignited widespread debate and drawn criticism from women’s rights groups and civil society organizations.

The allegations and subsequent suspension have illuminated the profound divisions within the Senate and raised questions about the handling of such sensitive matters. Many have called for a more transparent and equitable process to address grievances and ensure accountability.

As the six-month suspension takes effect, stakeholders are closely monitoring how the Senate navigates this controversy. The visit by opposition senators to Akpoti-Uduaghan’s home underscores the necessity for dialogue and reconciliation within the legislative body.